tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266Wed, 14 Mar 2018 11:26:17 +0000DiscipleshipFollowing JesusGreg BoydLoveMyth of a Christian Nation SeriesNational IdolatryNationalismPledge of AllegianceforgivenessThe Rejected PathThe one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” - Jesushttp://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)Blogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-2583042014533683987Sat, 07 Sep 2013 11:20:00 +00002013-09-07T05:21:29.171-06:00Following JesusforgivenessLoveImproving Our "Crap-meter"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFvFprfHQi0/UisCpesu31I/AAAAAAAAASE/OWestZ4POOQ/s1600/mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFvFprfHQi0/UisCpesu31I/AAAAAAAAASE/OWestZ4POOQ/s320/mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In the Army I had to deal with a lot of crap. I'm not complaining. It was simply part of the job. You may wonder how soldiers are able to put up with all the tough parts of the job. They are subject to a life of crap on a day to day basis. Things like: irregular sleep patterns, lack of sleep, bad tasting/little food, blisters, fatigue, working in austere environments, cold and hot weather extremes, getting dirty, getting shot at, getting blown up, etc... the list goes on and on. How do they do it? How do they prepare for all of this crap? It all starts with training. The very first part of a soldiers training begins in Basic Training or " Boot camp". In Basic Training they have a phrase called the "Crap-meter". This refers to the amount of crap you are able to handle before you reach the breaking point. To improve this "crap-meter", during training a soldier is bombarded with controlled chaos at the hands of his Drill Sergeants. The more crap one has to deal with, the bigger your meter gets and in time, you will naturally be able to deal with more "crap" without reaching the breaking point. <br /><br />What does all this have to do with following Jesus? Well, in civilian life we all have a "crap-meter" as well. We have a meter for day-to-day life situations. We also have a meter for how we relate to others. How much "crap" can we take from someone before we reach that breaking point relationally? By relational crap, I mean anything someone else does to you directly or indirectly, that warrants some level of forgiveness by you. How can we as followers of Jesus improve our crap/forgiveness meter? I believe that just like a soldier, it involves training. For starters we must become aware of how much we have already been forgiven of by God. By God's grace we have been offered complete and total forgiveness of every sin we have committed or ever will commit. The scriptures say that our sins have been cast "as far as the east is from the west", they tell us that God "remembers our sins no more". This is really good news! Over and over again Jesus tells those who follow him that we must forgive others as God has forgiven us. If we let the truth of our forgiveness get down deep within us, our crap/forgiveness meter for others will begin to improve. When we understand just how much crap God puts up with in us, we should find our "crap-meter" in relation to others getting bigger and bigger. So lets work on it. Spend time every day reflecting on the fact that you have been forgiven. And when you mess up again, you are already forgiven for that too. Then, go and do the same to others. Love and forgive others as God does for you. When we do that, in a small way His kingdom breaks into this world just a little bit more.http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/09/improving-our-crap-meter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-4712676692448023878Tue, 27 Aug 2013 09:40:00 +00002013-08-27T03:49:41.931-06:00Following JesusLoveNational IdolatryThe Good Immigrant: A Modern Retelling of the Samaritan ParableThere once was a man driving home from work on a rural road somewhere in the USA. While on a stretch of road that was several miles from the nearest house, a stray dog ran in front of his car. Swerving to miss the animal, he lost control of the vehicle and drove into the ditch. The man, slightly injured and bewildered, managed to climb out of the car and with a sense of disorientation tried to figure out what to do. (For the sake of the story, our traveler's cell phone was lost or broken in the crash) <br />&nbsp;<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6261859787165438266" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>By chance a pastor of a local church came driving by on his way to mid-week bible study. Because he was running late for the evenings service, when he saw the crash victim, he continued driving and said a quick prayer for the man to himself. A short time later, a Protestant, evangelical, bible-believing, right-wing, Republican city council member came driving by on his way to a city meeting. Being late for his meeting, he slowed down enough to hand a business card to the injured man for a local tow-truck service, and continued on his way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6261859787165438266" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lv00MfoypaA/Uhx1ZwvlHlI/AAAAAAAAARs/1fzDtYDhMUk/s1600/immigration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lv00MfoypaA/Uhx1ZwvlHlI/AAAAAAAAARs/1fzDtYDhMUk/s1600/immigration.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;Some time later an immigrant worker of unknown nationality (who some would label as 'illegal'), came along the road after completing a days work at a local farm. Upon seeing the crash victim, the immigrant took pity on him and stopped. He began to perform what little first aid he knew, bandaging the mans wounds with what he had. Using his cell phone, he called the towing service listed on the card that was previously given by the city official. When the truck arrived, the immigrant helped them retrieve the vehicle from the ditch. After paying the truck driver, the immigrant gave what was left of his measly pay check to the injured man, along with his cell phone for the man to use if needed.<br /><br />Which of these three do you think acted as a neighbor to the man who was in need?<br /><br />Go and do likewise. http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-good-immigrant-modern-retelling-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-1960892003957432011Sat, 01 Jun 2013 21:40:00 +00002013-06-01T15:45:07.521-06:00DiscipleshipFollowing JesusGreg BoydLoveLove Is Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpCWeyFZ1RM/UaprRmcEZuI/AAAAAAAAAMg/NtL-e2jBv9M/s1600/love-inspirational-daily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpCWeyFZ1RM/UaprRmcEZuI/AAAAAAAAAMg/NtL-e2jBv9M/s320/love-inspirational-daily.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Over the past year because of certain beliefs I now hold (and speaking negatively about commonly held Christian beliefs and worldly institutions), I have at times been labeled as "anti-fill in the blank". Anti-American, anti-military, anti-war, anti-conservative, anti-tradition, anti-Republican, anti-organized religion, etc. However, I want to make it clear that I am not ANTI or AGAINST anyone, rather I am FOR love...and love makes me FOR everyone.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515">"And above all these <b>put on love</b>, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." <span style="font-size: small;">(Col 3:14)</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text 1John-3-16" id="en-NIV-30596"><span style="font-size: large;">"This is how we know <b>what love is</b>: Jesus Christ <b>laid down his life</b> for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." </span>(1 John 3:16)</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515">"This is my command, that you <b>love one another</b>." <span style="font-size: small;">(John 15:12)</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Above all desirable attributes or traits, mindsets or dispositions, we are called to <b>put on love</b>. I'm not talking about the good-feeling, warm and fuzzy, smoochy-smoochy, sexual love. As we can see above, the Scripture defines love as <b>Jesus laying down his life</b> for us, his enemies, and the ones nailing him on the cross. We are called to this kind of love. Jesus taught us to "love our enemies"&nbsp; and to "do good to those that hurt you". He said that all of God's law could be summed up by loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. If I must be willing to lay down my life for enemies, then I can't kill them. If I love everyone, then supporting one government over another, one race, tribe, or people group over another is not possible. If I love everyone then I cannot support war and the death of others. If I take Jesus at his word--that following God is as simple as loving God and others--then religion (a system of rules, regulations, and rituals for getting right with God) is another thing I cannot support. Love is the one all-encompassing command. Get it right and everything else will fall into place. Get it wrong and nothing else you do matters.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515">&nbsp;"For in Christ Jesus…the only thing that counts is<br />faith working through love." <span style="font-size: small;">(Galatians 5:6)</span></span></span> http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/06/love-is-everything.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-7018058655561911588Sat, 18 May 2013 19:16:00 +00002013-05-18T13:19:55.038-06:00DiscipleshipFollowing JesusNational IdolatryNationalismPledge of AllegianceThe Pledge of Allegiance, 2 Reasons Why Christians Should Not Say It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OQwazfo6Jk/UZePgQfsa_I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zR45d4XGdLA/s1600/pledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OQwazfo6Jk/UZePgQfsa_I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zR45d4XGdLA/s320/pledge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Pledge of Allegiance was originally composed in 1892 by Francis Bellamy. Originally the Pledge was composed of these words:<i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp;</i>Interestingly you don't find the controversial phrase "<b>under God</b>",or even "<b>of the United States of America</b>". Both of these phrases were later additions to the Pledge, leading to the final version that we all know today:<br /><br />"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God<i><b>,</b></i> indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."<br /><br />So, enough about history. I'd like to propose that there are two primary reasons (if not more), why Christians/followers of Christ should <b>NOT </b>say the pledge. Before we get into those reasons I'd like to start with defining some of the key words in the pledge so we are all on the same page as to its meaning. <br /><br /><b>Pledge</b>: To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise, similar to an oath.<br /><br /><b>Allegiance</b>: [1] the loyalty of a citizen to his or her government or of a subject to his or her sovereign. [2] loyalty or devotion to some person, group, cause, or the like.<br /><br /><b>Flag</b>:&nbsp;<span class="ssens"> A usually rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol.(In this case, a symbol for the Republic of the United States of America)</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens">From these definitions we can understand a couple of things. Making a pledge is basically the same thing as an oath. And, giving your allegiance to something or someone is basically committing your loyalty to that entity. Also, the flag stands for something more than itself. It stands for the country/government it belongs to. In short, to pledge your allegiance to the flag means that you are making an oath of loyalty to the country, the United States of America.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens">Now for the two reasons why I think Christians should <b>NOT</b> be making an oath of allegiance to the United States or any other earthly government.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens"><b>#1 </b>Jesus directly and without any qualifiers condemns making an oath to anything for any reason.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens">&nbsp;"</span><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-5-33"><span class="woj">You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="text Matt-5-34" id="en-NIV-23269"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span><b><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-5-34" id="en-NIV-23269"><span class="woj">But I tell you,</span></span></span></b><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-5-34" id="en-NIV-23269"><span class="woj"><b> do not swear an oath at all</b>: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="text Matt-5-35" id="en-NIV-23270"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="text Matt-5-36" id="en-NIV-23271"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="text Matt-5-37" id="en-NIV-23272"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><b>All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’</b>; anything beyond this comes from the evil one</span></span>." (Matthew 5:33-37)</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens">The people in Jesus' day had a practice of making oaths for almost anything. The practice of making oaths was to guarantee before men and God that the person making the oath would fulfill his obligation or carry out a promise. It was looked on as a criminal offense to break your oath. Thus, the Jews had been commanded to "fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made". Jesus, however, changes things. Notice that he does not say, " Do not swear an oath and then break it." No, he says: "Do not swear an oath AT ALL"!!! He says that as people who follow God, less words, more often than not, is better than more. Simply say 'Yes' or 'No', and <b>do not swear an oath AT ALL</b> !&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens"><b>#2 </b>Jesus also teaches that men cannot serve two masters at the same time.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens">When teaching about worldly treasures, Jesus says we should be more concerned with the things of heaven and God's kingdom than those of this world.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24)</span></span></span><br /><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">We can't give our loyalty to two masters and be pleasing to both. Whether the choice is between God and money, God and man, God and a government or nation, the choice is always the same, one or the other. It seems that Jesus is saying 'you can't have your cake and eat it too'. In light of this it just doesn't seem possible to me to give my loyalty to God, and then try and give it to a government at the same time. Jesus also said " My kingdom is not of this world". Jesus has a kingdom, and just like an earthly kingdom , I can't be loyal to two kingdoms at once. It would be impossible to be loyal to the USA and Iran at the same time! It's the same with being part of the kingdom of God. Jesus calls us to be loyal to his kingdom, and if we have given our loyalty to God's kingdom, how then can we try and give it to America or any other worldly kingdom?&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">To sum up: <b>Pledging allegiance to the flag equates to making an oath of loyalty to an earthly kingdom. Both acts are condemned by Jesus</b>. I'm ready to stop pledging loyalty to the United States or any other kingdom other than the kingdom of heaven. How about you?&nbsp; </span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="ssens"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NIV-23307"><span class="woj">May the peace of Christ be with you today, and in a small way his kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Viva la Revolution!&nbsp;</span></span> </span><br /><br /><span class="ssens">&nbsp;</span> http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-pledge-of-allegiance-2-reasons-why.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6555373306741543834Thu, 02 May 2013 23:01:00 +00002013-05-02T17:14:16.386-06:00Following Jesus, Yet Not A Christian<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." Gandhi</i></span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT8vhsc3T2w/UYLzLirDHQI/AAAAAAAAALg/SHY607Pu27E/s1600/gandhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT8vhsc3T2w/UYLzLirDHQI/AAAAAAAAALg/SHY607Pu27E/s1600/gandhi.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I, like Gandhi, do not like a good deal of those in the Christian religion. 'Wait a minute!', you might say, 'YOU are a Christian too, aren't you Matt?'. It all depends on your definition of what a Christian is. If by <b>Christian</b> you mean, one who is like Jesus, well then thanks, I'm humbled that when you look at/think of me, it reminds you of Jesus. However, I don't consider myself as having arrived at the destination of being "like Jesus". Don't get me wrong, I want to be "like Jesus". I take his teachings seriously, try to follow his instructions and example, and may very well be like him in some regard. I don't want to be that presumptuous to say that I am like Christ. Like I said, if others chose to refer to me as being Christlike, that is well and good, that seems to be the way the term "Christian" was first used anyway ( see Acts 11:26). So, how would I describe myself and my spirituality? Simply as a "follower of Christ". That's what Jesus called people to do, to follow him. He called people to follow his example, his teachings, and way of life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, isn't being a "Christian" and a "follower of Jesus" the same thing? I think it can be. If by following Jesus others call you "Christlike", then yes they can be one and the same. However, it is also possible(as is often the case) to claim to be a Christian or to be a part of the religion of Christianity without actually following Jesus. Many people claim to be Christians (Go to church, say and do Christian things, give money to the church etc), they want the salvation that Jesus offers, blessings from God, a spiritual country club to be a part of, but they are not following Jesus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">On this topic Gandhi said:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>"<span style="font-size: small;">The message of Jesus as I understand it, is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole......If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, 'Oh, yes, I am a Christian.' But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount</span>"</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the #1 reason why I don't want to call myself a Christian. For so long, the message of Jesus, his teachings and commands for how to live life in the kingdom of God, have been diminished, downplayed, and negated by the Christian community at large. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>Some examples:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus told us to, turn the other cheek, love your enemies, do good to those who hurt you, yet Christians have in the past (as in the Crusades, Inquisitions, Witch Hunts, Conquering new lands etc), and still today go to war and kill not only their enemies but countless innocents as well. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus constantly spoke of the dangers of relying on money and possessions of this world. He said that a rich man entering the kingdom of God would be like a camel going through the eye of a needle. He said not to worry about tomorrow, but trust and rely on God to provide for your food, shelter, and clothing. Yet, Christians don't look much different than anyone else when it comes to how they spend and save their money, the importance they place on having enough wealth to retire on, and the time they spend worrying about food, shelter and clothing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus said that we can't serve two masters. He claimed that He alone was the one we should give our allegiance to, no other king, country or ideal. Yet, Christians have raised our nation, Constitution, political party, and guns, to near idols. They have trusted in and promoted laws over and against the teachings of Jesus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">And finally, probably the largest difference between the Christian religion and the teachings of Jesus,&nbsp; the issue of judging. Jesus said, do not judge for by the standard you use to judge will be how you are judged. He said that those without sin can cast the stone of judgement. What have we seen in the Christian religion ? Christians picking out their favorite sins that they see in others, like homosexuality, abortion, or how to dress, and downplaying or ignoring others that Jesus says are more important like, how we treat our neighbors and enemies, greed, pride, self-righteousness, and ignoring the needy of the world. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not judging Christians. I'm not trying to say who is going to heaven and who is not. All I'm saying is that when I look at the vast majority of the history of Christianity(including today), most of the time, people are not following Jesus. They certainly don't look very much like him, which is what they are claiming to be when taking the name of a Christian. So in short, I'm not particularly fond of calling myself a Christian for two reasons. First, I am not presumptuous enough to claim to be "like Christ". Second, the word "Christian", historically and currently has been associated with many views, ideas, and beliefs that are contrary to the teachings of Jesus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So where does that leave me? With Gandhi...... If I follow the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount, then yes... I am a Christian. Also, sadly I must say: I do not like your Christians, they are so unlike your Christ.&nbsp; &nbsp; </span>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/05/following-jesus-yet-not-christian.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-1080528129923946376Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:21:00 +00002013-04-20T18:33:19.930-06:00Boston and the Least of These...Responding to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUAW0vqxBmo/UXMzlOeK7ZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/QM3k6DlvkQ4/s1600/boston+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUAW0vqxBmo/UXMzlOeK7ZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/QM3k6DlvkQ4/s400/boston+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This last week, the city of Boston bore more than its fare share of the fallen nature of this world we live in. I was at work when I heard the news......<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b> BOMBS HAVE GONE OFF AT THE FINISH LINE OF THE BOSTON MARATHON!&nbsp;</b><br /><br />We all stopped what we were doing and one by one, made our way to the TV in the lobby and bore witness to the horrible event that had just happened.<b> </b>At first, no one knew how many were hurt, did anyone die? As the afternoon progressed we learned of the near 140 injured and the 3 who lost their lives. More questions....<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>WHO DID THIS? WHY?&nbsp; </b><br /><br /><br />By Friday, the investigative authorities had their suspicions. Two brothers. Both from southern Russia. The oldest (26 years old) was killed in a shoot-out with police. The younger brother (19 years old), Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was arrested Friday night after a day on the run, being shot and severely wounded, and pulled from a hiding spot in a boat in a backyard.<br /><br />Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has not gone to trial yet. He has not been found guilty. If found guilty, he could face the death sentence. But, we haven't got that far in the story yet, and quite honestly, for me....it doesn't matter.<br /><br />What does matter for those of us who follow Jesus, is how to relate to this man. Here and now, guilty or not, how does Jesus tell us to relate to the least of these in our world? What are we to do with the sick (those shot by the police, bleeding and near death in a hospital)? What are we to do with the imprisoned (those under armed guard, who will be interrogated without normal rights of an American citizen)?<br /><br />In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us a story of the final judgement. He separates those who will enter his kingdom from those who will not. And then, gives these words as reason for who will enter:<br /><br />"<i><span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-ESV-24039"><span class="woj">Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-ESV-24040"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-ESV-24041"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I was naked and you clothed me, I was <b>sick</b> and you <b>visited me</b>, I was in <b>prison </b>and you <b>came to me</b>."</span></span></i><br /><br /><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-ESV-24041"><span class="woj">The righteous then ask Jesus when they ever saw him hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked , sick , or in prison. And he replied:&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-ESV-24041"><span class="woj">"</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-ESV-24041"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-ESV-24045"><span class="woj"><i>Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me</i>."</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-ESV-24041"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-ESV-24045"><span class="woj">I don't know about you, but&nbsp; </span></span></span></span>Dzhokhar Tsarnaev sure seems like one of "the least of these" to me. He is sick, and he is in prison. He may be innocent, but he may be guilty. Jesus doesn't distinguish between the two. He simply says, <b>VISIT ME </b>and<b> COME TO ME</b>. For those of us who follow Jesus, we are to treat Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as if he is Jesus himself. I may not be able to personally travel to Boston to aid this man. What I CAN do, what we ALL can do, is pray for him. Lift this man up to the Father, thanking him for the forgiveness that has been provided in Jesus. Instead of condemn this man in our thoughts and speech, we can bless and protect him (a fellow image bearer of our King) with our words. In whatever small way we can , we can visit and come to him in this dark hour of his and our lives. <br /><br /><br />http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/04/boston-and-least-of-theseresponding-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-7138865220157435503Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:30:00 +00002013-03-15T14:32:20.211-06:00For the American part of me.....I Am Sorry (My Confession)A couple of weeks ago <a href="http://www.redletterchristians.org/" target="_blank">Red Letter Christian's</a> shared a post by brother <a href="http://www.joelmckerrow.com/Joel_Mckerrow/About_me.html" target="_blank">Joel Mckerrow</a>. The <a href="http://www.redletterchristians.org/for-the-christian-part-of-me-i-am-sorry/" target="_blank">post</a>, "For the Christian part of me...I am sorry", was amazing! It is one part of a four-part artistic video series in which Joel confesses to the world for the historical, current,&nbsp;and stereotypical&nbsp;Christian, male, white, and rich parts of him. I very highly recommend checking them out. It is a&nbsp;very inspiring and honest evaluation of the place that the religion of Christendom has led us to today. <br /><br />Today I would like to stand with Joel. I want to confess not only for the four areas that&nbsp;he did, but more specifically for the heritage that has influenced me the most.....<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><span style="font-size: large;">the American part of me</span></strong>. <br /><br />To start I want to say that I believe America has and still does many good things for its citizens, and others around the world. I am not confessing and saying sorry for those parts, but wish to&nbsp;distance myself from&nbsp;the negative aspects of my nation's heritage and current actions. I know I won't be able to mention all of them, but would like to point out the things I wish to renounce in my American heritage. <br /><br />Let's begin with, well....the beginning of America. For mainly political reasons (spiritual reasons were used as well) the British colonies in America decided to revolt against England, leading to the bloody Revolutionary War. Instead of following in the way of Jesus (paying taxes, honoring the king, obeying the ruling authorities), our nation's founding fathers decided to forcefully and violently&nbsp;free themselves from ties with England. For this, <strong>I am sorry</strong>.<br /><br />Looking forward to the newly formed nation, we find another very often overlooked and downplayed aspect of our heritage: the greed-filled stealing of the Native Americans land, resources, and way of life. Instead of "living at peace with all men", our young nation (very often touting OT violent nation of Israel conquering passages) stole from, deported, and murdered <strong>MILLIONS</strong>&nbsp;of our lands original inhabitants. To the&nbsp;<strong>ORIGINAL</strong> Americans I would like to say... <strong>I am sorry</strong>.<br /><br />For the sake of time I will limit this already limited confession to a final topic. Let us fast-forward 200 years to the present. This final point is the closest to my heart and has impacted my life the most as I am currently living through it. I want to confess for our current "war on terrorism". I am fully aware that what happened on 9/11 was a terrible, grievous act. Words cannot describe how evil, wrong, and the amount of pain was caused by the acts of a few men on that day. The acts of those few men claimed the lives of almost 3,000 innocent humans. Men, women, and children had their lives cut short. Many thousands more will forever live without those loved ones. For this, my country(including myself) was very angry. Thoughts of vengeance filled our thoughts and minds. However, instead of responding&nbsp;in the way&nbsp;Jesus calls us to, (by loving our enemies, doing good to those that harm us..etc) America launched what has now become the second longest war in our history. We have sought vengeance and justice against our enemies instead of giving love and mercy. Now, I understand that America, as a kingdom of this world, would respond in worldly fashion. However, as so many other times in our history, those of us&nbsp;who follow Jesus&nbsp;should have been living out&nbsp;his call to NOT RESIST evil, to turn the other cheek, to love and serve rather than seek vengeance and domination. Today, CNN posted an <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/15/world/asia/u-n-drone-objections/index.html" target="_blank">article</a> on the hundreds of innocent civilians&nbsp;our nation has slain over these last 12 years (more specifically those killed in our allied nation of Pakistan ,whom we are NOT at war with). Oh how far we have come from the message and call of Jesus. How sad that we let this cycle of vengeance begin in the first place, let alone overlook the thousands of innocent civilians we have wiped out in our destructive path. To my fellow human beings around the world who have fallen under the sword of this place I call home, to the thousands of grieving&nbsp;family members of the innocents slain, to those in whose countries we now occupy....I would like to humbly, in the name of peace and my lord Jesus,&nbsp;who's example I wish to follow, say one last time.... <strong>I am sorry</strong>.<br /><br />For the American part of me......&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: large;">I AM SORRY</span></strong>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/03/for-american-part-of-meim-sorry-my.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-4519708646349566336Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:31:00 +00002013-03-08T14:12:22.648-07:00No Distinction On International Women's Day<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPThIQ7HCe4/UTo9IR69BtI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/KZIqVSJjWv0/s1600/international-womens-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPThIQ7HCe4/UTo9IR69BtI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/KZIqVSJjWv0/s320/international-womens-day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;Today is International Women's Day. This is the day that the world has set aside to commemorate the advancements made in women's human rights, and in&nbsp;the spheres of politics, education, employment, and other areas of life. <br /><br />In light of this day, the question will arise: <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">How&nbsp;should those of us&nbsp;in God's kingdom treat women?</span></strong> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The church,and the religion of Christendom,&nbsp;have often subjected women to&nbsp;discrimination based on their gender. Most women are strongly discouraged from leadership roles within the&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; church,&nbsp;especially any role that would put them in authority over a man. <strong>HOW SAD!</strong> </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, how should we treat women? What should our response be to this day of celebrating the progress and freedom women have won in the secular world? How should we view this progress in light of the fact that role discrimination against women was and still is championed by those in the church? &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">In Paul's letter to the Galatians he says: "<em>There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, <sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-29114BA&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference BA&quot;&gt;BA&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup>there is <strong>NO MALE&nbsp;AND FEMALE</strong>, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.</em>"&nbsp;(Galatians 3:28)</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wait a second! Because of and in Christ, when things are put back to the way God intended them to be from the start, there is NO DIFFERENCE between male and female! </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, how should we treat/respond to women in ministry or any other area of life. Paul makes it clear, we are to make <strong>NO DISTINCTION</strong> between men and women. I rejoice on this day, I celebrate the progress women have made in&nbsp;winning back their God-given equality with men. We in the church should wake up to the truth that those in the rest of the world have realized. We should allow, promote, and encourage women to seek after the kingdom of God, to live in the calling and to follow Christ&nbsp;into&nbsp;<strong>WHATEVER POSITION</strong> he is leading them into.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">God bless you sisters! Peace&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/03/no-distinction-on-international-womens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-442776926307580071Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:15:00 +00002013-03-07T18:15:23.008-07:00What If Jesus Was Serious? <br />The other day I had a thought. It was birthed out of my browsing and random readings of the ramblings of fellow bloggers/kingdom of God expounders.<br /><br />The thought: <b>What if Jesus was serious when he said: Love and pray for your enemies, do not judge others, give to the poor, and don't worry about your life?&nbsp;</b><br /><br />I Tweeted this thought and shortly thereafter, <a href="https://twitter.com/greg_boyd" target="_blank">Greg Boyd</a> responded and said: <b>"THAT, my friend, would change EVERYTHING!" </b><br /><br />&nbsp;This thought contains some pretty radical/upside-down/nonsensical statements, yet they are the commands of Jesus to the people of his kingdom. I mean, to most people (and most within Christendom) loving enemies, not judging , and not worrying about your life, are usually not big priorities. We often tend to do the exact opposite and then reach around/over Jesus to pick and choose whatever other part of the Bible we think would support ignoring what he said. We do this in so many areas of our lives, and there is a very long history of those in the church doing this! How can this be,when Jesus, the very one we claim to follow, said that ALL previous Scripture was about HIM! We therefore should view ALL scripture through the lens of Jesus. This is one of the primary reasons that I would identify myself with the Anabaptist tradition. Jesus is the center and lens through which we view not just all of scripture, but all of life!<br /><br />Here is a short clip from Greg Boyd on this topic:<br /><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/u3wYqeLuxBU?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are some topics/areas of life where you have seen others jump over Jesus to other parts of scripture to justify their non-Christlike behavior?&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Viva la Revolution !</div>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/03/what-if-jesus-was-serious.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6433746406031280117Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:10:00 +00002013-02-06T07:10:18.112-07:00Confronted by Peace (Interview @ The Pangea Blog)As many of you know this last year I've gone through a huge transformation in my life. I have gone from being a Soldier in the US Army, caught up in the idolatry that is nationalism, to a pacifist, committed to the way of Jesus and the ethic of peace. I owe a huge part of this journey to my friend and mentor, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KurtWillems?fref=ts" target="_blank">Kurt Willems. </a>Earlier this year I reached out to him for advice and counsel as I wrestled with the nonviolent, enemy-love, teachings of Jesus. Over this last year our friendship has grown. He has been there from the beginning and through my process to become a Conscientious Objector. For his role in discipling me I will be forever thankful.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Over the last month or so we have considered doing a interview/blog post (about my story and our friendship) together on Kurt's blog: <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/" target="_blank">The Pangea Blog&nbsp; </a>The holidays kept getting in the way, he took a trip to Seattle (which I'm still jealous over), I had more Army training, and my wife left for two weeks leaving me in a non-blogging mood. All that said, this week we finally got our heads together and did this interview. So, without further waste of time, below is the link to our collaboration. I hope you will enjoy it!<br /><br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2013/02/06/confronted-by-peace-matt-young/" target="_blank">Confronted by Peace: the surprise of nonviolence is leading my friend out of the army</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Peace,<br />Matt <br /><br /><br />http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/02/confronted-by-peace-interview-pangea.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-5827640012063534434Sun, 27 Jan 2013 04:50:00 +00002013-01-26T21:56:13.846-07:00DiscipleshipFollowing JesusAll the Power In the World<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><b>"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose&nbsp;from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.&nbsp;<sup> </sup>Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:3-5)&nbsp;</b><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So, have you ever imagined what it would be like to have all the power in the world? What would you do with that power? Would you use it to go back in time? How about take control of the whole world? You could end all poverty <span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%;">and suffering, end all evil. You could force everyone to obey your rules, your way of doing things. Either way, you could do a lot of good or a lot of bad. Well, here in scripture we find that one man, Jesus, DID have all that power. Notice it says, “knowing<b>that the Father (God) had given all things into his hands</b>”. Imagine having "all things" put into your hands. So, what does Jesus do with this power? Does he go out and right all the wrongs of the world? Does he impose his will on the rest of humanity? Does he force the world, through laws and the power of the sword to submit to his ethics and reign? No! He lays aside his outer garments, ties a towel around his waist, pours water into a bowl and begins to wash his disciples' feet. <b>HE SERVES THEM! </b>He lowers himself to that of a household slave, and serves humanity. He serves not only his loyal disciples, but also the disciple who he knew was about to betray him to death.&nbsp;</span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<b>FOOLISHNESS</b>! You may say. What a wasted opportunity! How many lives he could have saved with all that power! How many wrongs and injustices of the world he could have made right! To the kingdoms of the world and those within, yes it is foolishness. Yes, it is utter madness! But to those of us who call ourselves Christ-followers, to those in the kingdom of God, this way of doing things should be normal.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; People of the kingdom of God are many times in the scripture called to "<b>walk as Jesus walked</b>", to live and act like Jesus did. This should be our normal mode of operation. We should not be concerned with gaining power and authority over others in order to enforce a "right way of living". We certainly don't have all the power in the world laid into our hands, yet the church has a very long history of trying to attain it. If we truly wish to follow in the footsteps of our master, we should seek to change the world the way he did. He had all the power, yet used none of it. He served, he loved, he died not only for us but for the ones who nailed him on the cross(with some of his last words he prayed for and forgave those who were crucifying him).<br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Let us not concern oursel</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ves with the ways of control and power</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> this world seeks. Let us spend more of our time, energy, and money: serving, loving, dying for, and forgiving the world. We can change the world around us and as a whole for the better. But NOT with the ways of this world. We must partner with God and the way of his kingdom, the power-under, self</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-sacrificial <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>love </span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">that looks like the cross. That's what we should do with all the power in the world.</span>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/01/all-power-in-world_26.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-8167687416558975249Sat, 19 Jan 2013 21:50:00 +00002013-01-19T15:04:17.729-07:00DiscipleshipFollowing JesusJesus Hangin With SinnersIn the Gospel of Mark we find this story:<br /><br /><b><span class="text Mark-2-13">"Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.</span>&nbsp;<span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. <span class="woj">“Follow me,”</span> Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him." </span></b><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At first glance, this may look like an ordinary calling of a disciple. In a sense it was, but it was also more than that. Jesus was a well-respected Rabbi (teacher of the Jews). He had a following. You notice, he couldn't even go for a walk on the beach without a "large crowd" following him ! So, Jesus begins to teach the crowd, probably some stuff along the lines of , "love your enemy", "turn the other cheek", "when you throw a party, invite the outcasts and sinners not just your friends". What does Jesus do next ? He invites Levi the tax collector to follow him. So what ? you might say. What's the big deal ? To understand the significance<b> </b>we must understand what a "tax collector" was in those days.</span><br /><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; In Jesus' day there were two groups of people that the local people really hated. The Romans and the Tax Collectors. The Romans were the pagan, conquering, occupying government of the land of Israel at the time. They enforced heavy taxes to fund their military campaign's, slaughtered innocent civilians, and took peoples homes (the normal stuff a tyrannical, government does). Oh, and any notion of "standing up to a tyrannical government" ( the idea that is so prevalent in the good USA), they dealt with that by torturing and executing you on a cross ! So, how did the Romans collect their heavy taxes ? They instated local Jews to do the collecting for them. That's where the second group, (the one Levi belonged to) the Tax Collectors come in. These guys would collect the taxes that the Roman government required, and more often than not, add an additional amount on top of that to make a profit. You could get rich very quick as a tax collector, ripping off your fellow countryman. For this reason, the Jews hated the tax collectors and considered them almost as evil as the Romans. So, in this context we see Jesus inviting a tax collector to join his inner-circle of closest friends. The story continues :&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><b><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275"><span class="text Mark-2-15" id="en-NIV-24276">"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.</span>" </span></b><br /><b><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275"><br /></span></b><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275">Ok, so now Jesus is not only inviting a tax collector to "follow him", he goes to his house and eats dinner with other tax collectors and sinners ! A big party of sinners ! As we see below, the religious people of the day were not too happy with Jesus.&nbsp;</span><br /><b><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275"><br /></span></b><b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277">"When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees </span></b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277">(the Bible-experts of the day)</span><b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"> saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” </span></b><br /><b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"><br /></span></b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277">You see, back in that time (and very much the case today), it was not considered a good way to follow God by hanging out with sinners. The idea was: we who are following God will hang out with ourselves and leave the other people to themselves. It was looked down upon to talk to a sinner, let alone go to his house and party with him and his friends ! So, why did Jesus hang out with sinners and tax collectors ? Jesus answered them below: </span><br /><br /><b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277">"</span></b><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"><b>On hearing this, Jesus said to them, <span class="woj">“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"><span class="woj">In other words: You people who think you are well and don't need me because of your supposed good-standing with God, I'm not going to waste my time on you. But the ones who are the outcasts, the looked down on, broken, those who you would turn away from your church because they have a "greater sin" than you, God loves them too, that's who I'm going to invest my time in.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"><span class="woj">That's what I want to do. I'm going to spend more time hanging out with the sinners, hanging out with the people who think they are beyond God's reach, the people that "religion" and "Christians" have turned away because they don't look, act, talk, behave, or believe EXACTLY the "right" things spiritually, politically or otherwise. Those are the people Jesus came to, and invited to be his friends and party with him. I don't know about you but I'm going to give it a shot.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"><span class="woj">Peace&nbsp; </span><b><span class="woj">&nbsp;</span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="text Mark-2-16" id="en-NIV-24277"><b><span class="woj">***Scripture quotations from Mark 2:13-17 ***&nbsp;</span></b> </span><br /><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275">&nbsp;</span><b><span class="text Mark-2-14" id="en-NIV-24275"><br /></span></b>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/01/jesus-hangin-with-sinners.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-5236643078304697750Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:18:00 +00002013-01-03T15:53:00.636-07:00DiscipleshipGreg BoydMyth of a Christian Nation SeriesThe Myth Of A Christian Nation: Part 3 (The Kingdom of the Cross)Last week I started a book review of <a href="http://reknew.org/about/greg-boyd/" target="_blank">Greg Boyd's</a> book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Myth-Christian-Nation-Destroying/dp/0310267315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1357099569&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+myth+of+a+christian+nation" target="_blank">The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest For Political Power Is Destroying The Church</a>. I read the book&nbsp;earlier this year and it was one of the key influences in my journey <a href="http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/10/from-soldier-to-pacifist.html" target="_blank">From Soldier to Pacifist</a>&nbsp;. If you'd like to catch up on the series you can find Part 1 and Part 2 in my humble (and still very small) book review page <a href="http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews.html" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;, or by scrolling to the top of the page and clicking on the&nbsp;Book Reviews tab. Anyways, time for Part 3: The Kingdom of the Cross﻿. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbmq3jmkdxU/UNuRbW7Hk-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uGJlztYlJ9g/s1600/Myth-of-a-Christian-Nation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbmq3jmkdxU/UNuRbW7Hk-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uGJlztYlJ9g/s320/Myth-of-a-Christian-Nation.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Myth of a Christian Nation, Chapter 2 - The Kingdom of the Cross:</span></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><span style="font-size: small;">In the previous chapter (the kingdom of the sword) Greg spoke about the mode of operation that the kingdoms of the world run by. Greg called it the "power over" kingdom. In this kingdom fear, coercion, manipulation, laws, and power are all used to bring about the desired results. It is not so in the kingdom that Christ came to establish, The Kingdom of the Cross. </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Greg starts the chapter by stating this: "<strong> The heart of Jesus' teaching was the "kingdom of God". He spoke about that topic more frequently than any other, and it pervades all his actions as well."(page 29)&nbsp;</strong>This kingdom, as Greg explains, operates and advances by using "power under". He explains that this kingdom always looks like Jesus on the cross, dying for the very ones who put him there. Greg puts it this way, "<strong> the cross is the ultimate symbol of the kingdom of God, for it defines what&nbsp;the kingdom always looks like. It looks like Christ--self-sacrificial and loving. It looks like grace."(page 33)&nbsp;</strong>This is the way of life that we are called to in the kingdom of God. We are called to "walk just as he (Jesus) walked" (1 John 2:6). Greg says that "<strong>as we allow Christ's character to be formed in us-as we think and act like Jesus-others come under the loving influence of the kingdom and eventually their own hearts are won over to the King of Kings. The reign of God is thus established in their hearts, and the kingdom of God expands." (page </strong></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">30)</span></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><span style="font-size: small;">Greg continues by explaining that the kingdom not only looks like Calvary, we can also see the kingdom and how it operates by looking at the life of Jesus. Greg says, " <strong>the kingdom of God is also displayed throughout Jesus' entire life and ministry, which all had a Calvary quality to it. Jesus embodied the kingdom of God; his very identity was about serving others-at cost to himself." (page 35) </strong>In the following pages Greg points us to 3 examples from the life of Jesus that embody the way of the kingdom. </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The first example is Jesus' treatment of and encouragement for us to emulate children. At one point in the gospel's children try to come and see Jesus. In typical kingdom of the world fashion, his disciples turn the children away. Jesus rebuked his disciples and beckoned the children to come to him. Jesus was trying to show that the kingdom of God is not only for those who are viewed as important (as adults were in that culture) but also for the children as well. Greg says, "<strong> children illustrate the nature of the kingdom of God because they have not yet been conditioned to believe they need power, money, and social respect to be great."(page 36)</strong>&nbsp;In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says that we as adults must become "like little children" if we even wish to be in the kingdom. Greg says, " <strong>For adults to participate in the kingdom of God, Jesus is saying, we must become deconditioned from kingdom-of-the-world thinking and acting, return to the humility and innocence of little children." (page 37) </strong></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong>The second example from the life of Jesus is when he washes his disciples' feet. John's gospel tells us that Jesus knew that "<strong>the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God" (John 13:3) </strong>So, having all the power in the world laid in his hands, what does Jesus proceed to do ? He "<strong> got up from the table, took off his outer robe, tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him" (John 13:4-5) </strong>Amazing !!! The one with the most power in the universe becomes a servant ! Greg puts it this way, "<strong> THIS is how power is wielded in the kingdom of God. If you have all power in heaven and earth, use it to wash the feet of someone you know will betray you!"(page 37)&nbsp;</strong>By doing this Jesus showed that he "would not rule by a sword, but by a towel".</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally Greg recounts the story of Jesus healing the ear of an enemy. When the temple guards came to arrest Jesus, one of his disciples pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus responded by rebuking Peter, and telling him to "<strong>put your sword back in its place</strong>". Jesus reminded Peter that "<strong>those who live by the sword will die by the sword"(Matthew 26:52)</strong>. Then, Jesus turns and heals the servant&nbsp;with the cut off ear. Greg adds, "S<strong>o, far from using his divine authority to fight back, calling legions of angels and forcefully controlling his enemy's behavior, Jesus used his diving authority to heal the ear of a man who came to arrest him. Though he could have exercised "power over" the servant, he displayed outrageous, unconditional love instead by coming under him, by serving him."(page 38)&nbsp;</strong>Greg explains that whenever we trust in&nbsp;and use this "power under" way of life, by serving at cost to ourselves,&nbsp;we are advancing the kingdom of&nbsp;God.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;">Whenever we don't, we are merely participating in the kingdom of the world. </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To end the chapter Greg lists five ways that the kingdom of God contrasts with the kingdom of the world. </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">A contrast of trusts: "<strong> The kingdom of the world trusts the power of the sword, exercising "power over", the kingdom of God trusts the power of the cross, exercising "power under". </strong></span></span></span></span></li><li>A contrast of Aims: " <strong>The kingdom of the world seeks to control behavior, while the kingdom of God seeks to transform lives from the inside out." </strong></li><li>A contrast of Scopes: " <strong>The kingdom of the world is intrinsically tribal in nature.....defending and&nbsp;advancing, ones own people-group, nation, ethnicity, state, religion, ideologies, and political agendas. The kingdom of God, however, is intrinsically universal, for it is centered on simply loving as God loves." </strong></li><li>A contrast of Responses: " <strong>The kingdom of the world is intrinsically a tit-for-tat kingdom; its motto is "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". But kingdom-of-God participants carry the cross, not the sword. We, thus, aren't ever to return evil with evil, violence with violence. We are yet, to manifest the unique kingdom life of Christ." </strong></li><li>A contrast of Battles: "<strong>The kingdom of the world has earthly enemies and, thus, fights earthly battles; the kingdom of God, however, by definition has no earthly enemies, for its disciples are committed to loving "their enemies", thereby treating them as friends, their "neighbors". </strong></li></ul><strong></strong><br /><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong>As kingdom people we are called to manifest the way of Christ in all aspects of our lives. Greg explains that even if we win by "kingdom of the world" standards, we will have lost by "kingdom of God" standards if while in the process, we don't look like Christ carrying the cross to Golgotha in order to die for his enemies.<br /><br /><br /><br />Greg asks this final question:&nbsp;<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In light of Paul's teaching (that everything we do must be rooted in love, 1Cor 13:1-3) how might our churches be different if we took it seriously ? What would happen if the ultimate criteria we used to assess how "successful" or "unsuccessful" our churches were was the question, <em>are we loving as Jesus loved</em> ? </span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-myth-of-christian-nation-part-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-221058367932596930Sun, 30 Dec 2012 05:02:00 +00002012-12-30T08:53:33.312-07:00DiscipleshipGreg BoydMyth of a Christian Nation SeriesThe Myth of A Christian Nation: Part 2 ( The Kingdom of the Sword)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So, earlier this week I started a book review series on Greg Boyd's amazing book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Myth-Christian-Nation-Destroying/dp/0310267315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1356839306&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+myth+of+a+christian+nation" target="_blank">The Myth of a Christian Nation: How The Quest For Political Power Is Destroying The Church</a>.&nbsp;I've read it before (and am re-reading it for the purpose of this series) and I am very much in support of its message !&nbsp;I highly recommend it to anyone, and especially to&nbsp;Christians in America.&nbsp;Enough said. If you want to check out the first post (Part 1)&nbsp;on the book you can find it <a href="http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-myth-of-christian-nation-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>. To quickly follow new posts in this book review series check out my very short book review page located <a href="http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews.html" target="_blank">here</a>. So, now that we are done with the prolegomena ( a preliminary discussion), we can get on to my&nbsp;humble review of Chapter 1, The Kingdom of the Sword. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbmq3jmkdxU/UNuRbW7Hk-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uGJlztYlJ9g/s1600/Myth-of-a-Christian-Nation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbmq3jmkdxU/UNuRbW7Hk-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uGJlztYlJ9g/s320/Myth-of-a-Christian-Nation.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Myth of a Christian Nation,&nbsp;Chapter 1 - The Kingdom of the Sword:</span></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="font-size: small;">" The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. " (Luke 22:25-26)</span></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus says that the kingdoms of this world "lord it over" others. They use authority and power to influence their domain through laws, enforcement, and fear. Greg says it best:<strong> "</strong> <strong>Wherever a person or group exercises power over others--or tries to--THERE is a version of the kingdom of the world. While it comes in many forms, the kingdom of the world is in essence a "power over" kingdom. In some versions--such as America--subjects have a say in who their rulers will be, while in others they have none.....there have been democratic, socialist, communist, fascist, and totalitarian versions of the kingdom of the world, but they all share this distinctive characteristic: they exercise "power over" people." (page 18)</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong>The kingdom of this world has and will always be like this. That's how our fallen world works. People take control, make the rules and regulations they feel are right, enforce these rules on their citizens, and sometimes try and enforce them on others around the globe. Greg points out that this ability to enforce rules and keep evil in check is the primary purpose of these kingdoms. He argues that based on Romans Chapter 13, God uses the kingdoms of this world, in their fallen&nbsp;and sinful state, to keep evil and wrongdoing in check. It is our job as citizens of whatever kingdom of the world we find ourselves living in to live in conformity to its laws, insofar as it does not conflict with our calling as citizens of the kingdom of God. &nbsp;&nbsp;I believe John Howard Yoder sums&nbsp;it up best in the following statement on God's relationship with the kingdoms of the world: <strong>" It is not as if there was a time when there was no government and then God made government through a new creative intervention; there has been hierarchy and authority and power since human society existed.&nbsp;Its exercise has involved domination, disrespect for human dignity, and real or potential violence ever since sin has existed. Nor is it that by ordering this realm God specifically, morally approves of what a government does....the librarian does not create nor approve of the book she or he catalogs and shelves. Likewise God does not take the responsibility for the existence of the rebellious "powers that be" or for their shape or identity; they already are."&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong>Greg goes on to explain the relationship that Satan has with the kingdom of the world. In the gospel of Luke it says that when the Devil tempted Jesus, he&nbsp;showed him "all the kingdoms of the world" and then&nbsp;he said: <strong>" To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given&nbsp;over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you will then worship me, it will be&nbsp;yours." (Luke 4:5-7</strong>)&nbsp;Jesus, of course,&nbsp;does not go on to worship the&nbsp;Devil to acquire these kingdoms. But, as Greg points out, Jesus does not dispute the devil's claim to own them. Later in Jesus' ministry he refers to Satan as the "ruler of this world". ( John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) In 1 John 5:19 we find this statement<strong>:&nbsp;" the whole world lies&nbsp;under the power of the evil one</strong>". Greg further explains that this term "ruler"&nbsp;which Jesus&nbsp;attributed to Satan, is a political term used to denote the highest ruling authority in a given region. Jesus is basically saying that Satan is the CEO of all earthly&nbsp;governments ! Greg's point is that while every action of a government may not be in itself "evil", we as Christians must&nbsp;never forget that <strong>"even&nbsp;the best political ideology lies under the influence of a "power over" cosmic ruler who is working at cross-purposes&nbsp;to God"</strong> ( page 22). </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Further on in the chapter Greg talks about the "tit-for-tat" way of the kingdoms of the world. He explains it like this: <strong>" If you hit me, my natural (fallen) instinct is to hit you back--not turn the other cheek ! Tit-for-tat, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth--this is what makes the bloody kingdom of the world go around." (page 24) </strong>Greg continues the discussion by relating the example of the current conflict in the middle-east and some of the reasoning behind what is going on.&nbsp;He speaks about how sometimes, our us-vs-them mentality&nbsp;is a result of historical conditioning against the other. &nbsp;Greg says this: <strong>" Much of the profound animosity Islamic terrorists feel towards "satanic" America is fueled by a cultural memory of what Christians did to Muslims during the Crusades. Believing that America is a Christian nation, they direct their collective, historically acquired hatred toward it. Now, you might be tempted to respond by saying, 'Well, they did a lot of bad stuff to Christians throughout history as well'--and you'd be right. But this is exactly the sort of thinking that fuels the endless tit-for-tat kingdom of the world." (page 25</strong>)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I hope you are getting the point. To sum it up then we can boil it down to&nbsp;four short&nbsp;points. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>#1</strong> The kingdom of the world rules by a "power over" method, using&nbsp;laws, regulations, and the fear of the sword or punishment to accomplish its goals. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>#2</strong> While God did not create the kingdoms of the world he uses them in their fallen state, he orders and sorts them much like a librarian sorts the book in a library. He does not have to approve of them and their ways but wisely uses them for the best possible good. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>#3 </strong>All of the kingdoms of the world are under the control of the Devil/Satan. While not every act of a government is in itself evil, we as Christians must be mindful that even the best government still lies under the influence of Satan who is working at cross-purposes to God. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>#4 </strong><span style="font-size: small;">The kingdom of the world plays by a "tit-for-tat", eye for an eye, us-vs-them, rule set. It more often than not sets us and our ways of life and thinking against that of those from an opposite way of life. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greg finishes the chapter by giving us a taste of what is to come in Chapter 2. He mentions that the kingdom of God operates completely different than the kingdom of the world. He says: <strong>" The kingdom of Jesus was, and is, a radically different kind of kingdom indeed, and it is this kingdom that all who follow Jesus are called to manifest in every area of their lives." (page 28)&nbsp;</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope that this review has been in at least a small way beneficial to your time. I hope you will go and pick up a copy of this great book and see what it has to say for&nbsp;yourself. We'll end with a question.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus was the only person who ever truly and fully had "power over," yet he chose not to exercise it. Do you feel that this is a model for us to follow or a choice unique to Jesus' mission? Explain your answer. </span></strong>&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-myth-of-christian-nation-part-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6370680465412449387Sat, 29 Dec 2012 03:56:00 +00002012-12-28T21:06:45.477-07:00How To See God Today&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; People often ask if God exists. They want to know if he is real. They tend to say things like: I can't see God, how do I know he's there ? Where is God in the world today ? What is God like? Well, I think there are two places people can look to see God. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First, in the Gospel of John we find this: <strong>"No one has ever seen God,<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-26063A&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference A&quot;&gt;A&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."</strong>(John 1:18) <br />The Bible says that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus, has made God known. What he did, said, taught, and commanded was in itself the very essence of God. So, look at Jesus. Study and imitate him. In doing so, you will "see God". <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second, we can also see God in the flesh today ! In his first epistle, John&nbsp;says this about seeing God:<strong> "No one has ever seen God;<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-30616D&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference D&quot;&gt;D&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."</strong> ( 1 John 4:12) So if we love one another God lives in us ? Really ? And if God lives in us, that means people get to see God ! They get to see what he is like and how he acts. But wait, what was the catch. It says, "if we love one another". Interesting. So when we love one another, that's when God lives in and through us. It seems like the key to seeing God is love. What is love? What does it look like ? <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let's take a look at one more verse: <strong>"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-30596A&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference A&quot;&gt;A&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-30596B&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference B&quot;&gt;B&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> </strong><span class="text 1John-3-17"><span class="text 1John-3-17" id="en-NIV-30597"><strong>" </strong>(1 John 3:16) </span></span><br /><span class="text 1John-3-17">There's a couple things we can draw from this text. Firs<span class="text 1John-3-17">t, it says that l</span></span>ove looks like Christ laying down his life for us on the cross. When we lay down our lives, our desires, passions, goals, for the sake of others, it looks like Christ. That is love. Love is always sacrificial. It always looks like Jesus on the cross, dying for the very ones who put him there. To the degree that someone lays down their life for others, it is love, and we are seeing God in action. To the degree that we see someone taking the life from others, their time, money, happiness, sense of worth, or their&nbsp;very breathe,&nbsp;we see what happens without God. A life lived without love, is a life without God. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The question then is this: When people ask us how to see God, do we tell them, watch us and see ? Do we tell them to look at our lives (that should be filled with God's love) ? Can we point them to the love our church shows to those in our community ? Can we point them to the love we have for one another? I hope so, because God wants to be seen. He isn't hiding. It's up to us. Picture Jesus on the cross, dying and praying for the ones who put him there. He loved them. Go, and do the same. Live and love as Christ loves you and gave himself for you. <br /><br />Shalom and&nbsp;Happy New&nbsp;Year ! http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-to-see-god-today.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-4770857712479477649Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:02:00 +00002013-01-19T15:08:22.044-07:00Greg BoydMyth of a Christian Nation SeriesThe Myth of A Christian Nation, Part 1 (Introduction)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Earlier this year I went through a major paradigm shift. My story was documented in my previous post <a href="http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/10/from-soldier-to-pacifist.html" target="_blank">From Soldier to Pacifist</a>, earlier this year. In that post I cited two major influences in my journey. The first was a teaching podcast series by<a href="http://bruxy.com/blog/" target="_blank"> Bruxy Cavey</a> entitled <a href="http://www.themeetinghouse.com/pageid/1700/" target="_blank">Inglorious Pastor's</a>. I was introduced to Bruxy's teaching and ministry by my now good friend, mentor, and Brethren in Christ pastor, <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/about/about-kurt/" target="_blank">Kurt Willems</a>. Kurt's friendship, patience, wisdom, and guidance has been such a tremendous blessing and I can't thank him enough. *bro hug* .......&nbsp; .......&nbsp; ....... Excuse me, sorry...ahem..<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Where was I ? Oh yes, the second influence that Kurt pointed me to was the book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Myth-Christian-Nation-Destroying/dp/0310267315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1356567189&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+myth+of+a+christian+nation" target="_blank">The Myth of&nbsp;A Christian Nation, How&nbsp;The Quest&nbsp;For Political Power&nbsp;Is Destroying&nbsp;The Church</a>, by<a href="http://reknew.org/about/greg-boyd/" target="_blank"> Gregory A. Boyd.</a>&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbmq3jmkdxU/UNuRbW7Hk-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uGJlztYlJ9g/s1600/Myth-of-a-Christian-Nation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbmq3jmkdxU/UNuRbW7Hk-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uGJlztYlJ9g/s320/Myth-of-a-Christian-Nation.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this book ! I could rant and rave about it forever but I don't think any of you would enjoy that very much. So, I'm going to attempt a book review. I hope to give you a glimpse inside this great book and to perk your interest in what I believe is a very important and relevant topic for us today. Well enough of me, let's get to the book and what Pastor Gregory Boyd has to say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Myth of a Christian Nation, Introduction Chapter:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I'll let Greg speak for himself as to the central thesis of the book : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>" I believe a significant segment of American evangelicalism is guilty of nationalistic and political idolatry. To a frightful degree, I think, evangelicals fuse the kingdom of God with a preferred version of the kingdom of the world.......many of us American evangelicals have allowed our understanding of the kingdom of God to be polluted with political ideals, agendas, and issues. "</b></i> (page 11)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ouch !!! Those words sound very harsh. But are they true ? What kind of "nationalistic and political idolatry" is he talking about ? Again, I'll let Mr. Boyd speak for himself: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"<b> Many believe there is little ambiguity in how true Christian faith translates into politics. Since God is against abortion, Christians should vote for the pro-life candidate......since God is against homosexuality, Christians should vote for the candidate who supports the marriage amendment act-and a Bible-believing pastor should proclaim this....since God is for personal freedom, Christians should vote for the candidate who will fulfill " America's mission" to bring freedom to the world."</b></i> (page 10) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greg goes on to say that there is a myth which gives this strong connection between Christianity and politics in America such a strong emotion. He calls it, The Myth of a Christian Nation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"<b> This foundational American myth is, in fact, untrue, America is not now and never was a Christian nation, God is not necessarily on America's side, and the kingdom of God we are called to advance is not about "taking America back for God."</b> (page 13) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </i>Again, very strong words from a very confident man. This myth of America as a Christian nation has hindered the cause of Christ. It has led many around the world to associate America with Christ, so that <b>"<i>they hear the good news of Jesus only as American news, capitalistic news, imperialistic news, exploitative news, anti gay news, or Republican news".</i></b> (page 14) I couldn't agree more ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well that's it. Since you have the review of the introduction you can stop here. No need to read the follow-up posts about the rest of the book. Um, no ! Totally 100% kidding. In the days to come I plan to share with you my thoughts about each chapter in this great book. I hope you will stay with me on this journey. I also hope you will not just take my word but get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Myth-Christian-Nation-Destroying/dp/0310267315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1356567189&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+myth+of+a+christian+nation" target="_blank">the book</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;see what Pastor Boyd has to say for&nbsp;yourself. We'll end with a question. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you know anyone who has been put off by Christianity because of American Christians' tendency to link their faith with their politics ? What messages do you hear repeated ? </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-myth-of-christian-nation-part-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-4701959417615889029Sat, 15 Dec 2012 21:03:00 +00002012-12-15T14:03:16.532-07:00Be Where You Are & Do Not Worry<strong>"Wherever you are, be there."</strong>-- Greg Boyd<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm a dreamer. Most people that know me will testify to this. My family, friends, coworkers, Church, pretty much everyone knows it. Especially my wife. She has often told me that when I'm home, more often than not, I'm really not home. I'm NOT where I physically am, I'm THERE.&nbsp;By "there" I mean somewhere else mentally or emotionally. &nbsp;Sometimes that THERE is in the book I read earlier that day. Sometimes THERE is in a sermon series, or in a theological or philosophical topic. Sometimes THERE is thinking or planning about the future, whether it's a job, location, vacation, hope or dream. The point is, my THERE is often&nbsp;NOT where I presently am. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now I'm not saying that we should not ever think, dream and hope about the future. But when it becomes something that consumes us, our time , energy and thoughts, when it takes us away from "wherever you are" RIGHT NOW and to another place, it can very easily turn to worry. And that leads to my second point. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said :<strong> "</strong><span class="woj"><strong>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day <i>is</i> its own trouble."</strong> (Matthew 6:34)</span><br /><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So, "tomorrow will worry about its own things". Why then do we think, plan, and worry about the things of tomorrow? I believe it is ultimately our little way of trying to control things. If somehow we can plan it out right, plan for the worst and try and make everything into the best possible outcome, we can be our own little gods. We can make our future life into our idol. Jesus says to not do that. He wants us to worry about today and what God is leading, calling and wishing for today.When we spend our time living in the future or not being where we presently are, we close the door to God's spirit that wants to work in the now. If I'm worrying about the bills next week, the moving plans, that job interview etc. I may very well miss the person in the supermarket, a coworker , or a friend who needs me to channel the love of Jesus to them. Worrying about the future and making our own plans ultimately puts us at odds with the Kingdom, for the kingdom way is the way of sacrifice, putting others first,&nbsp; and seeking God's will "on earth as it is in heaven".</span><br /><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let us follow the simple advice from Greg:<strong> Wherever you are, be there. </strong></span><br /><span class="woj"></span><br /><span class="woj"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></span><br /><span class="woj"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong></span><br /><br />http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/be-where-you-are-do-not-worry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-3133975651324955901Fri, 14 Dec 2012 01:10:00 +00002012-12-13T18:23:03.002-07:00WHICH JESUS? Are you following the right one ? <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently started reading the book </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Wins-About-Heaven-Person/dp/0062049658/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1355442987&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=love+wins"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love Wins</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Rob Bell. This book has stirred up a lot of controversy. Mainstream preacher John Piper said, “farewell Rob Bell” in response to the book and its message. (I’m not sure if he even cared to understand what the message really was). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I am a little over half-way done with the book and I highly recommend it! I agree with most of the content (so far) but that’s not really what matters. What DOES matter is that Rob Bell is asking the right questions. He challenges the traditional and widely excepted views of heaven, hell, God’s judgment, wrath and love, who’s “in” and who’s “out”, and the lens through which we view the whole Bible, topics which have turned many off from the message of Christ throughout the centuries. He challenges the reader to take an honest, unbiased look at what the Bible (not church tradition) really teaches about these tough and controversial issues. So anyways, if you haven’t read the book, I encourage you to pick up a copy and see what all the fuss is about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>You are probably wondering what any of this has to do with the topic of this post. While reading the book I came across a short passage that got me to thinking. And THAT is the real topic of this post. Here’s the quote from Love Wins: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”When People use the word “Jesus,” then, it’s important for us to ask who they’re talking about.<o:p></o:p></i></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Are they referring to a token of tribal membership, a tamed, domesticated Jesus who waves the flag and promotes whatever values they have decided their nation needs to return to?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Are they referring to the supposed source of the imperial impulse of their group, which wants to conquer other groups “in the name of Jesus”?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Are they referring to the logo or slogan of their political, economic, or military system through which they sanctify their greed and lust for power?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Or are they referring to the very life source of the universe who has walked among us and continues to sustain everything with his love and power and grace and energy?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Jesus is both near and intimate and personal, and big and wide and transcendent.”<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></i>Thus the question: which Jesus? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which Jesus are you following? How about your church? Also, which Jesus are you portraying to others, preaching and teaching about? I think these are important questions to ask. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Is it the Jesus who: “promotes whatever values you have decided your nation needs to return to” (paraphrase from Rob’s quote) , supports justified war and violence as a means to the end, the worldly justice system , believes that “America is the hope of the world”, speaks against the gay and lesbian community above and beyond the much more mentioned sins of lust and pride greed and self-righteousness, sees nothing wrong with our western-materialistic-selfish culture, and separates ourselves from those who are not “in” the holy group of Christianity ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Or, is it the Jesus who: instead of saving the world through legislation, came to earth in a manger and served, died and loved those who opposed Him along the way. How about the Jesus who taught us to “love our enemies, do good to those that hurt you, turn the other cheek, and to NOT RESIST EVIL , the Jesus who ushered in the restorative-justice, peacemaking, grace and love centered kingdom, the Jesus who taught that He ALONE was the hope of the world, THE way, THE truth, and THE life. How about the Jesus who instead of kicking the sinners out, accepted, ate and drank with, loved, befriended, served and forgave. What about the Jesus who said, “do not worry about tomorrow” and “give to those who ask” and “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” and “go, sell all you have and give it to the poor” and “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>So, the question I ask you is this: which Jesus? Why is it so important that we get Jesus right? The author of the book of Hebrews says this: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“<span class="text">In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NIV-29966">2 </span></sup>but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.</span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NIV-29967">3 </span></sup>The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, Jesus is the exact representation of who God is. Nothing and no one before or after will ever show what and who God is better than Jesus. The buck stops with Jesus. How we view God: his character, purpose, will, everything about him is summed up in the person of Jesus. You see, if we get Jesus wrong, we get everything wrong! I don’t know about you, but when it comes to the topic of God, what he wants, expects, thinks, and commands of me, I want to get that one right. I don’t want to just take someone else’s word. I don’t want to just blindly accept the traditions of those who have come before me. I’m going to look at and study Jesus. What Jesus said and did, how he reacted to others, how he loved, what he commanded, what he expects, that’s what is important. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I’ll end with yet another question. Which Jesus are you following and what is your primary resource for learning about Him?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/which-jesus-are-you-following-right-one.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-8852660363649532277Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:25:00 +00002012-11-23T12:47:27.166-07:00Blessed Are The Persecuted: How to know you are on the right track."<strong>Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23245K&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference K&quot;&gt;K&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><strong> </strong></span><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"><strong>for theirs is the kingdom of heaven</strong>."- Jesus (Matthew 5:10)</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"><strong>Persecuted</strong>, can be defined as: Being subjected to hostility or ill-treatment. </span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"><strong>Righteousness</strong>, can be defined as: Adhering to moral principles.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">In the&nbsp;above verse Jesus is basically saying: Blessed are those who because of adherence to (my)&nbsp;moral principles, are subjected to hostility and/or ill-treatment.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the world we live in we are constantly expected to&nbsp;"fit in". By following Jesus and his moral principles, however, we will often find ourselves NOT fitting in with those around us. This often leads to persecution. Whether physical or verbal, persecution can&nbsp;and will come to those who are different.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What are some of the ways in which we may look or act different than others? In the&nbsp;previous verses of&nbsp;Matthew 5,&nbsp;Jesus lists 7 other traits or mindsets, followed by a natural blessing for each. Let's look at a couple:</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blessed are the <strong>meek </strong>(Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on)</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blessed are the <strong>merciful</strong> ( those who give mercy)</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blessed are the <strong>peacemakers</strong> (those who seek peace through sharing God's love)</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are either of these 3 attributes normally praised in our society today? How about in the&nbsp;church? Do we as the body of Christ seek to be meek, merciful, peacemaking people? To the extent that we do, we will look different. We will look different than the rest of the world.&nbsp;We will look different than&nbsp;alot of the Western, nationalistic,moral guardian,&nbsp;control-seeking church we find ourselves in today. But that's ok. If by following Jesus, we look, act and believe different than the world (and oftentimes church) around us, and as a result are treated with distance and hostility, we can be confident we are on the right track.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Jesus said in John 15:20, "<em>Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’<sup> </sup>If they <strong>persecuted</strong> me, they will <strong>persecute</strong> you also.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-26720B&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference B&quot;&gt;B&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."</em></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"><em></em></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </em>So, there are two responses others will have when confronted by our Jesus-like lifestyle. They will either persecute us (because they persecuted Jesus as well), or they will accept and obey Jesus' teaching. Let us not be afraid of looking, acting, and believing differently than others, because of our commitment to following Jesus. We can be confident that&nbsp;when we find ourselves in the midst of persecution,&nbsp;(however and by whoever it is manifested towards us) we are on the right track. </span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My challenge to you is to examine your life. Are there areas where you are holding back from following Jesus for fear of persecution? Pray that God will give you the desire to follow him without fear of persecution. Pray that through His Spirit you will have the strength to be the different, counter-cultural, anti-religion-pro-relationship, disciple that he calls you to be. </span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are you currently being persecuted (singled out, picked on, joked about, ignored, abused)&nbsp;because of your different lifestyle and beliefs? Amen ! You are on the right track. You are blessed, and "yours is the kingdom of heaven" !</span></span></span>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/11/blessed-are-persecuted-how-to-know-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-932146245044237330Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:42:00 +00002012-11-20T13:43:36.966-07:00DiscipleshipFollowing JesusDisciple or Hypocrite &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So, before we dig into the teachings of Jesus, I feel we should make sure our heart and desire is in the right place. We should ask ourselves, do I really want to follow Jesus? In this article I want to take a look at the kind of person Jesus wants us to be ( a disciple), and the kind of person he calls us not to be (a hypocrite). <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First off, let's define some terms. <br /><br /><strong>Disciple</strong> can be defined as : "<em>One who submits themselves to the discipline or training of another</em>". In this case specifically, one who submits to the training or teaching of Jesus. That is what I mean when I talk about being a disciple of Jesus. Other synonyms of disciple are : follower, adherent, pupil, learner, apprentice. <br /><br /><strong>Hypocrite </strong>can be defined as: " <em>A person who indulges in the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform." </em>To put it simply, claiming to believe or do one thing, but then not doing it. <br /><br />Here's an example of the difference between the two: <br /><br />Jesus said: “<em><strong>Tell me what you think of this story: A man had two sons. He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’ </strong></em><br /><span class="text Matt-21-29" id="en-MSG-10209"><em><strong><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>“The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went.</strong></em></span><br /><em><strong> </strong></em><br /><span class="text Matt-21-30" id="en-MSG-10210"><em><strong><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>“The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went.</strong></em></span><br /><em><strong> </strong></em><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32" id="en-MSG-10211"><em><strong><sup class="versenum">31-32 </sup>“Which of the two sons did what the father asked?”</strong></em> (Matthew 21:28-32, The Message)</span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let me rephrase Jesus' question: Which son behaved as a disciple, and which like a hypocrite? </span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">Jesus calls us to not just mentally, verbally, or physically claim to be "glad to" do what he asks (like the second son). He calls us to action, to obey what he asks and commands of us (like the first son). If we say to Jesus, "Sure, glad to" follow you, we must make sure we put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. Anything else is hypocrisy. </span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The question then becomes, do you want to follow Jesus? Do you want to follow what Jesus teaches and commands us to do even if it may come at personal cost to you? I pray we can get to that point together. Maybe some of us aren't there yet. Maybe we look at our lives and see places where we are being a hypocrite and not a disciple. If so, that's ok. At least be willing to admit to yourself and to Jesus (hint, he already knows) whether you are following him or not. </span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you find yourself in that place of realizing there are areas where you are not truly following what Jesus asks of us, would you pray this prayer? </span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32"></span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Here it is:&nbsp;</span><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">&nbsp;<strong>Jesus, help me want to want to follow you. Help me turn from being a hypocrite and&nbsp;submit myself to your discipline and teaching,wherever it may lead. Amen</strong>. </span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32"></span><br /><span class="text Matt-21-31-Matt-21-32">If you want to be a disciple, if you are ready to follow the teachings and way of life taught by Jesus, take the next step. Open your Bible to Matthew,Chapter 5 (or any Red Letter, words of Jesus), and do what Jesus says. It's that simple. That's what it means to be a disciple. </span><br /><table class="ts"><em></em><tbody><em></em><tr><td style="color: #666666; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" valign="top" width="80"><em></em><br /></td><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" valign="top"><table class="ts"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/11/disciple-or-hypocrite.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-5685649251576648833Tue, 20 Nov 2012 07:02:00 +00002012-11-20T01:33:53.928-07:00Blog Reboot, The Rejected Path<strong>“The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.”- Jesus of Nazareth</strong><br /><br />I've had a desire to change the direction of my blog in recent weeks so I decided to start over with a fresh look and name.&nbsp;My old blog, <a href="http://thegreythings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Grey Things</a>&nbsp;,was&nbsp;a place for general discussion on&nbsp;grey theological issues that have often seemed to divide Christians. If it was profitable to others or not I can't be sure. What I am sure of is that in recent months it turned into more of a place for my rantings or personal updates about my life and spiritual journey. I now&nbsp;have a clearer vision as to what I want&nbsp;my blog to be about . Thus, I felt it needed an official change of direction.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To start: What's with the name? <br />The new title, 'The Rejected Path', encompasses the 3 areas I want my blog to focus on. <br /><br />#1 My personal rejection of the path of this world. My rejection of the violent, nationalistic, empire-worshiping, idol making, legalistic, self-serving, "us vs them",&nbsp;ways of this world . This will serve as my soapbox to share what is going on personally and spiritually in my life. I hope to share my experiences on the path of being a Jesus follower. To start, check out my previous post about my conversion <a href="http://thegreythings.blogspot.com/#!/2012/10/from-soldier-to-pacifist.html" target="_blank">From Soldier to Pacifist</a> . <br /><br />#2 The rejection of Jesus Christ by the majority of the world, throughout history, and during our Post-Christendom age that we now live in.<br /><br />#3 Probably the most important aspect of this 'Rejected Path': The&nbsp;ignorant&nbsp;and sometimes willful, ignoring or rejection of Jesus' ethical and moral teachings by the "Christian" church&nbsp;for the last 1,600-1,700 years. I'm not talking about the Jesus who came to the world to die on a cross to save lost sinners from hell (not many people have missed that one). I'm talking about the Jesus who said : <br /><br /><strong>"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...teaching<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-24216T&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference T&quot;&gt;T&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> them to obey everything I have commanded you."</strong> (Matthew 28:18 and 20)<br /><br />What were these commandments ? I don't know about you but we don't often hear about the "red letters" (most modern bible translations highlight the words of Jesus in red) and what they say about how we should live. So that's what I plan to do. I want to talk about the Jesus who offered not only salvation of our souls from some kind of eternal damnation, but commanded a new way of life, a new ethic for how to live in His kingdom.&nbsp;Brian McLaren, captured what I'm getting at when he said: <br /><br /><strong><em>"In Protestant denominations it's very hard to find people who take Jesus' teachings and the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus' example of nonviolence, seriously"</em>&nbsp;.</strong> <br /><br />So, welcome to The Rejected Path. I hope to get some more topical posts up soon. I&nbsp;pray that together, we can take an honest look at our lives, the teachings of Jesus, and try to grow closer to the way of life he offered 2,000 years ago that has been so often overlooked, explained away, or rejected. Whether you are&nbsp;Christian or not, Protestant or Catholic,&nbsp;Democrat or Republican, Gay or Straight,&nbsp;Pro-life or&nbsp;Pro-choice , it doesn't matter.&nbsp;We can all answer the call of Jesus, "Come, follow me". In following Him, we can find the place to work out our differences, to grow closer together, united by the call&nbsp;of the rejected Rabbi, Jesus of&nbsp;Nazareth. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.<br /><br />Peace,<br />matt<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfjSvPZkz8/UIHX6XpuSLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CDP1PjpFgd4/s1600/dove_and_olive_branch_image_poster-p228358348579134380t5ta_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfjSvPZkz8/UIHX6XpuSLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CDP1PjpFgd4/s200/dove_and_olive_branch_image_poster-p228358348579134380t5ta_400.jpg" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;</div>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-reboot-rejected-path.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6886166684313015879Fri, 19 Oct 2012 23:02:00 +00002013-01-30T17:55:42.124-07:00From Soldier to Pacifist<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been a soldier in the U.S. Army for a little over 2 years. I have been a soldier-at-heart, for the past 7 years. When I was 13, I saw that Marines commercial where the guy climbs up the mountain and becomes a Marine: </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wi8RTlFxcUI?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><br /><br />This was the first time that I had ever given much thought to the military at all. I was a research-oriented kid, so I started studying the Marines, called and talked to the recruiters, looked up their history, read books and so on. A couple of years before this experience was the sad day of 9/11. This tragedy, coupled with my new found interest in the military, was a driving force pushing me towards service to my country. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Over the next several years (between ages 13-17), I spent alot of time researching the various branches, their subdivisions, and various job possibilities within the service. I chose to enlist in the Army because at the time it gave me the most options as to what I could do in the service. I enlisted as an 11B Infantryman because I wanted to be the guy taking the fight to the enemy. I am not saying that other branches or jobs don't do their part to fight our wars, only that Infantryman appealed to me the most for what I wanted out of the service (get as close as possible to,&nbsp;fight and kill the enemy). My main motives for joining the military were: a desire to protect and defend my country and family, to protect others around the world who could not do so themselves, by extension of my actions help promote my countries objectives around the world. A key Bible verse for me when I enlisted was, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:13&amp;version=NIV" target="_blank">John 15:13</a>&nbsp;. I felt that by laying down my life for my fellow soldiers, or if need be other innnocent people around the world, that I would be showing the most possible love for them. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fast-forward&nbsp;a little bit. In the summer of 2010, I left for basic training in FT. Benning, GA. After basic training I was shipped to Ft. Bliss/El Paso , TX. I have been here in El Paso for the last 2 years. The last two years have been filled with all kinds of military training, weeks in the field and at the rifle ranges preparing for deployment, a month in Death Valley, California this summer, and my wedding about a year ago. Like any job it's had ups and downs, good times, bad times, fun and not so fun times. I'm not complaining though, for a young, energitic, passionate patriot, it has been a blast. This past summer, however,&nbsp;something changed. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Over block leave this summer (2012), I was confronted with the theology of non-violence that is taught in the New Testament. I understand that many may not agree with me that this is what the Bible teaches, but that's not the point of this article. I would be more than willing to comment on and talk to anyone openly about my beliefs and where I get them etc...feel free to comment on this post or shoot me an email, and I'll respond as soon as possible. Back to the story..... I was introduced to several books on the subject. Here's one that heavily infuenced me : <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Myth-Christian-Nation-Political-Destroying/dp/0310267315" target="_blank">Myth of A Christian Nation, by Gregory Boyd</a> . A sermon series that immensly helped in my conversion (from soldier to pacifist) can be found here: <a href="http://www.themeetinghouse.com/pageid/1700/" target="_blank">Inglorious Pastors, taught by Pastor Bruxy Cavey (The Meeting House)</a>&nbsp;. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I've listed these resources as a starting point for the theology of nonviolence. This topic is very complex and could take many hours to fully explain and hash through. If you are interested in the deeper theology of my beliefs I encourage you to check them out. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The key reason I have become a pacifist, or believer in non-violence...,whatever technical term we want to call it, is this. I was confronted with the words of Jesus. Words such as these: <br /><br />"<i><b>My kingdom<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-26822AR&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AR&quot;&gt;AR&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-26822AS&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AS&quot;&gt;AS&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> But now my kingdom is from another place</b></i>." (<b>John 18:36</b>) If Jesus would not allow his disciples to protect and defend Him, who was the most innocent person that ever walked the earth,&nbsp;I cannot justify defending others by using violence. If my King won't let me fight for&nbsp;Him, who can I fight for? <br /><br />&nbsp;"<i><b>You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-23273h&quot; title=&quot;See footnote h&quot;&gt;h&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-23273h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23273AT&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AT&quot;&gt;AT&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> <span class="text Matt-5-39" id="en-NIV-23274"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup>But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23274AU&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AU&quot;&gt;AU&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-40" id="en-NIV-23275"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">40 </sup>And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-41" id="en-NIV-23276"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">41 </sup>If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-42" id="en-NIV-23277"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">42 </sup>Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23277AV&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AV&quot;&gt;AV&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span> </b></i><br /><i><b><span class="text Matt-5-43"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">43 </sup>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-23278i&quot; title=&quot;See footnote i&quot;&gt;i&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-23278i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23278AW&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AW&quot;&gt;AW&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> and hate your enemy.’<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23278AX&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AX&quot;&gt;AX&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NIV-23279"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">44 </sup>But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23279AY&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AY&quot;&gt;AY&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NIV-23280"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">45 </sup>that you may be children<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23280AZ&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AZ&quot;&gt;AZ&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23280BA&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference BA&quot;&gt;BA&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-46" id="en-NIV-23281"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">46 </sup>If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23281BB&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference BB&quot;&gt;BB&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> Are not even the tax collectors doing that?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-47" id="en-NIV-23282"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">47 </sup>And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?</span></span> </b></i><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NIV-23283"><span class="woj"><i><b><sup class="versenum">48 </sup>Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect</b></i>."(<b>Matthew 5:38-48</b>) These verses were key in my conversion ( from soldier to pacifist). I already know how to love my friends and family and country. Jesus, however, says it is not good enough to just "love those who love you", but that we must also love those who don't love us. If my wife, child, brother, sister, father, mother, best friend, etc were to commit evil against me, I would NEVER respond with violence. If I am to treat my enemy the same as those close to me, I cannot do violence to him either. </span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-48"><span class="woj"></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-48"><span class="woj"><b><i>Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, </i></b><span class="woj"><i><b>“for all who draw the sword will die by the sword</b>." (<b>Matthew 26:52</b>) </i>Peter had just lopped off the ear of one of the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus. Jesus rebuked Peter and then healed the wounded man ! Again, if ever there were a justified time for self protection, or the protection of another, this was it ! </span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-48"><span class="woj"><i><span class="woj"></span></i></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-48"><span class="woj"><span class="woj">The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus' words by saying this: </span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-48"><span class="woj"><span class="woj">"<i><b>Do not repay anyone evil for evil.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-28263AE&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AE&quot;&gt;AE&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-28263AF&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AF&quot;&gt;AF&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> <span class="text Rom-12-18" id="en-NIV-28264"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-28264AG&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AG&quot;&gt;AG&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span> <span class="text Rom-12-19" id="en-NIV-28265"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>Do not take revenge,<sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-28265AH&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AH&quot;&gt;AH&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-28265d&quot; title=&quot;See footnote d&quot;&gt;d&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2012&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-28265d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-28265AI&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AI&quot;&gt;AI&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup> says the Lord.</span> <span class="text Rom-12-20" id="en-NIV-28266"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>On the contrary:</span></b></i></span></span></span><br /><div class="poetry top-05"><div class="line"><i><b><span class="text Rom-12-20">“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Rom-12-20">if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.</span></span><br /><span class="text Rom-12-20">In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”<sup class="footnote" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-28266e&quot; title=&quot;See footnote e&quot;&gt;e&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2012&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-28266e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-28266AJ&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AJ&quot;&gt;AJ&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></b></i></div></div><i><b> </b></i><br /><div class="first-line-none top-05"><span class="text Rom-12-21" id="en-NIV-28267"><i><b><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good</b>." (<b>Romans 12:17-21</b>) </i>I believe that even when we are wronged and feel that evil has been done to us, we must "leave room for God's wrath". In this passage Paul helps us to respond in love to those who wrong us by pointing out that everyone is accountable to God and eventually He will judge. It is our job to respond with acts of love, not hate. </span></div><div class="first-line-none top-05"><span class="text Rom-12-21">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><div class="first-line-none top-05"><span class="text Rom-12-21">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was confronted not with a random man's teaching, a random pastor's beliefs, or what a book had to say, but by these words above.&nbsp;Certainly men and pastors and books can have good things to say, but they are not what convinced me. It was the words of Jesus, the words of the Bible that convinced me. Others, such as sermons and books helped, yes, but only to the extent that they pointed back to and made prominent the plain, simple, easy to understand teaching of Jesus. I came to a point where my own internal justification for my actions, my job, service to my country etc....mattered for nothing if it didn't fit within the teachings of my Lord, Jesus Christ. I had rallied around the belief in Just War, which I came to realize is just simply not taught in the Bible. I found the exact opposite. I found the call of Jesus, to join Him in the Kingdom of God, where the morals and ideals of this world are not good enough. I found that I am more than willing to die for a cause, but that Jesus was calling me to never kill for a cause. Here's a quick clip that captures what I'm getting at:</span></div><div class="first-line-none top-05"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ymYi0ynfuuE?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found that as part of the Kingdom of God, fellow Christians would be off-limits for me to ever kill. I also realized that Jesus was calling me to not only love those that I wanted to love (i.e. friends, family, citizens of my own country), but to love my enemy as well. Here is another quick video clip that sums up this mentality: </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BXnY9YWF-Gg?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope I haven't bored you with videos, if I have, sorry haha ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a result of this new-found conviction, I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I wanted to follow what I believe are the clear teachings of Jesus, but I was also a Soldier. What could I do? !Thank God that the United States realized back before WWI, that sometimes, soldiers can have a change of conscience. They created the Conscientious Objector&nbsp;status. It's a rather old tradition. Many countries other than our own have recognized the Conscientious Objector througout history. Some have been allowed to avoid the draft or get out of the military as a result, others were killed or imprisoned because they refused to serve their country through violence. After much prayer and seeking advice from family and friends, on September 12th, 2012 (a little over 1 month ago) I applied for a Conscientious Objector Discharge from the Army. As a result, the Army placed me on Rear Detachment in my unit, so that I will not have to deploy while the process is taking place. The process of becoming a Conscientious Objector (CO) takes several months. I have had to write an essay stating my beliefs and their source. I have been interviewed by several officers in my Chain of Command. Eventually, my case will make it up to Washington DC , where the CO Review Board at the Pentagon will decide if I can be released early from service because of my new beliefs. If all goes well ( which it has so far), I could be out of the Army by summer of 2013. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I know I've probably raised alot of questions. Feel free to comment below or send me a personal email @ <a href="mailto:young.matt71@gmail.com">young.matt71@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do not mean to offend anyone by sharing my beliefs. I am doing what I feel called to do by the teaching of Jesus. I'm not saying that others in the military, law enforcement or government are not Christians, only that I believe they are wrong in their interpretation of Jesus' teachings about violence. This is not a salvation issue but a discipleship issue. I must follow my Master wherever He leads. If others feel they can follow Jesus and his teachings and be in the military at the same time, I respect them for it. I don't want to&nbsp;knock or judge&nbsp;anyone ! My hope is that we can unite together around the important things, and help each other to follow our Lord better each day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]-->If all this post has done is start new conversations, get you thinking about this topic again or for the first time, then I'm satisfied. It also serves to inform about my journey, from Soldier to Pacifist. I pray that my story and experience will encourage others in their walk with Jesus. I pray that together, we can take seriously the “red letters” and start living the way the bride of the crucified Christ should. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peace,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Matt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfjSvPZkz8/UIHX6XpuSLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CDP1PjpFgd4/s1600/dove_and_olive_branch_image_poster-p228358348579134380t5ta_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfjSvPZkz8/UIHX6XpuSLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CDP1PjpFgd4/s200/dove_and_olive_branch_image_poster-p228358348579134380t5ta_400.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/10/from-soldier-to-pacifist.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-1035666021827512625Sun, 23 Sep 2012 06:05:00 +00002012-11-20T01:21:58.134-07:00No Greater Love & Your Enemies<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="text Matt-5-43" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NIV-23278a&quot; title=&quot;See footnote a&quot;&gt;a&lt;/a&gt;]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A43-48&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-23278a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23278A&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference A&quot;&gt;A&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup>&nbsp;and hate your enemy.’<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-NIV-23278B&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference B&quot;&gt;B&lt;/a&gt;)"></sup></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NIV-23279" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">44&nbsp;</sup>But I tell you, love your enemies&nbsp;...... Matthew 5:43</span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">Both of these verses are very often quoted individually. I'd like to suggest that a deeper meaning could possibly be found by merging them together. Jesus said in the first verse that the greatest possible way to show love would be by laying down your life, dying for a friend. In the second verse Jesus says that we must not only love our neighbor/friend, but our enemy as well. So, if we are to love our enemy, what does that look like? What is the best possible way to love our enemies ? I think it is pretty clear. If Jesus says that our love is shown by dying for our friends/neighbors, and we are also required to love our enemies, would it not follow that the best way to love our enemy would also be by dying for him ? When we follow this line of thought, how then could it be logical to kill our enemy ? If we are called to love our enemy to the point of dying for him, what rationale could there EVER be to kill him. Jesus was willing to die on the cross not only for you and me, but for the very people who murdered him, His enemies. Later in the new testament, Paul tells us to be "imitators of Christ". As Christ layed his life down for His enemies, so should we. Again, if we are called to love our enemies to the point of death, how then could we ever justify killing them ? &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">Just some food for thought, would love to hear your thoughts.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">Peace,</span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-44" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">Matt</span></span>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/09/no-greater-love-your-enemies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-8031136084172225989Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:03:00 +00002012-11-20T01:21:58.147-07:00Just War Theory: Biblical or Man-made?<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just war theory</strong> (or <i>Bellum iustum</i>) has been defined as&nbsp;a doctrine&nbsp;of military ethics of Roman philosophical and Catholic origin. It has been studied for centuries by theologians and politicians alike.&nbsp;It&nbsp;has specifically been the dominant theory or justification for Christians throughout history to support, initiate, and participate in war.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before Emperor Constantine instituted Christianity as the "national religion" of the Roman Empire in roughly 313 A.D., the majority of Christians' held a&nbsp; nonviolent stance. Many early church fathers interpreted the teachings of Jesus as advocating nonviolence. Several church fathers may be cited such as: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_(martyr)" target="_blank">Saint Maximilian</a>, St. Martin of&nbsp;Tours, Athanasius, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, and&nbsp;another with the famous quote " Christ, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier."--Tertullian. After Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Empire, virtually requiring citizens to become a Christian or face execution, war and violence become&nbsp;much more accepted as a&nbsp;practice by Christians. How was this justified and how do Christians justify war today? Predominately the Just War&nbsp;Theory. This theory was supported by church fathers such as, Saints Augustine and Aquinas. The theory normally lists 7 principles or criteria for determining&nbsp;whether or not a war&nbsp;is just or not. If the war meets these criteria, it is&nbsp;pronounced "just" and permissible to initiate or be participated in by Christians. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The seven criteria generally go as follows: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<strong>Just cause</strong><br /><dd>The reason for going to war needs to be just and cannot therefore be solely for recapturing things taken or punishing people who have done wrong; innocent life must be in imminent danger and intervention must be to protect life. A contemporary view of just cause was expressed in 1993 when the US Catholic Conference said: <i>"Force may be used only to correct a grave, public evil, i.e., aggression or massive violation of the basic human rights of whole populations."</i></dd><dt><strong>Comparative justice</strong></dt><dd>While there may be rights and wrongs on all sides of a conflict, to overcome the presumption against the use of force, the injustice suffered by one party must significantly outweigh that suffered by the other. Some theorists such as Brian Orend omit this term, seeing it as fertile ground for exploitation by bellicose regimes.</dd><dt><strong>Competent authority</strong></dt><dd>Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war. "A just war must be initiated by a political authority within a political system that allows distinctions of justice. Dictatorships (e.g. Hitler's Regime) or deceptive military actions (e.g. the 1968 US bombing of Cambodia) are typically considered as violations of this criterion. The importance of this condition is key. Plainly, we cannot have a genuine process of judging a just war within a system that represses the process of genuine justice. A just war must be initiated by a political authority within a political system that allows distinctions of justice".</dd><dt><strong>Right intention</strong></dt><dd>Force may be used only in a truly just cause and solely for that purpose—correcting a suffered wrong is considered a right intention, while material gain or maintaining economies is not.</dd><dt><strong>Probability of success</strong></dt><dd>Arms may not be used in a futile cause or in a case where disproportionate measures are required to achieve success;</dd><dt><strong>Last resort</strong></dt><dd>Force may be used only after all peaceful and viable alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted or are clearly not practical. It may be clear that the other side is using negotiations as a delaying tactic and will not make meaningful concessions.</dd><dt><strong>Proportionality</strong></dt><dd>The anticipated benefits of waging a war must be proportionate to its expected evils or harms. This principle is also known as the principle of macro-proportionality, so as to distinguish it from the <i>jus in bello</i> principle of proportionality.</dd><dd>&nbsp;</dd><dd>There are several variations in the definitions or criteria but&nbsp;this is&nbsp;generally accepted as the 7 criteria.</dd><dd>&nbsp;</dd><dd>I'm not going to insert my opinion on this matter in this post. Rather I want to throw this out there and see what opinions I get. My challenge is this: If this is the generally accepted justification for Christians to participate in war, should we not be able to find Biblical validation for it? Should&nbsp;we not be able to find verses in the&nbsp;Bible supporting these 7 criteria? If so, then we may pronounce such a theory as biblical. If not,&nbsp;should we base our life, spiritual beliefs,&nbsp;and actions off of a man-made theory?</dd><dd>&nbsp;</dd><dd>If all this&nbsp;rambling has done is get your wheels turning, start a conversation, help you to question or strengthen your beliefs and values than I have&nbsp;done what I set out to do. </dd><dd>&nbsp;</dd><dd>I look forward to hearing what you all have to say.</dd><dd>&nbsp;</dd><dd>Peace,</dd><dd><a href="mailto:m@tt">m@tt</a>&nbsp;</dd><dd>&nbsp;</dd><dd>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</dd>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/09/just-war-theory-biblical-or-man-made.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-1807598081050451217Sat, 25 Aug 2012 17:55:00 +00002012-11-20T01:21:58.136-07:00Not of This World, Republican or Democrat, It Doesn't MatterJesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the wake of this election season political issues and topics ring in our ears from every source. Whether TV, radio, internet, magazines you are going to hear it. You are going to hear the constant battle between at least 2 political parties, each representing their views on the world and the best way to fix things. They will talk about war, the economy, creating new energy sources, health care, etc...the list goes on and on and on. You may ask what the point of all this is ? Why the constant fighting, arguing and debating? It's simple, this is how our democratic system works. This is how we "better" our nation, our earthly kingdom called America.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The purpose of this post is to examine the importance and reliance as Christians that we place on this earthly kingdom called America. I'll be honest, I love America. It may not be the best nation in the world at all points in time, but if I could pick anywhere to live America would for sure be the first on my list. I'm very thankful that we have been blessed with the religious and political freedoms that we currently have, thank God ! What I do want to talk about is how as Christians I feel we need to be careful that we don't put to much trust in this earthly kingdom, but that we make the Kingdom of God our #1 priority. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said, " My kingdom is not of this world." Pretty straight forward I think. What does it mean ? Exactly what he said, His kingdom is not an earthly one. It was not the Roman Empire, Great Britain or America, it is the Kingdom of God. Jesus preached about His kingdom more often than any other subject. This was the reason He came, to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. How is God's kingdom any different than another kingdom you may ask? Jesus tells us how in the verse above. After stating that His kingdom is "not of this world", Jesus continues by saying " if it were my servants would fight...". This to me is the fundamental difference between how the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms/nations of this world operate. This is one way (the only way Jesus felt was worth mentioning to Pilate) that sets them both apart. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Christians our priority should be advancing God's kingdom, his way of life, message of salvation, discipling believers, caring for the poor, hungry and imprisoned. I believe as Christians we lose sight of this purpose, our purpose in life, when we begin to "fight" for and&nbsp;about the things of worldly nations. Now I'm not saying it's wrong to vote or wrong to let our biblical values influence our political opinions. What I am saying is that we need to be careful that we don't place our trust in the political system. When we&nbsp;fight for and put priority in worldly things, worldly politics, nations&nbsp;and agenda's we lose sight of where our priority should be, God's kingdom. The United States of America is not the savior of the world. It certainly does not have all the answers. But God does. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ not only has the answer but showed us what it looks like. It looks like a cross. When those who are evil and hate us or even just those whom we have differing opinions with want to subject us to their view or even to kill us, we are to love them as Jesus did on the cross.&nbsp;Not that we are wrong in voting a certain way or speaking out against evil or what we feel is wrong, but in doing so we&nbsp;must make sure that our ultimate goal is love. We must&nbsp;accept that even if and when&nbsp;our views are not the majority, when our beliefs are not the law of the land that it's ok.&nbsp;God is still in control of even the most&nbsp;evil governments, He is the answer, the fix to our world. If we as citizens of His kingdom will purpose above anything&nbsp;else to&nbsp;spread His kingdom by loving others as Christ did, that would be more powerful and beneficial than any workings&nbsp;of political parties or nations. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Food for thought, hope you all got something out of the ramblings of this Christ&nbsp;follower. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Peace&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfjSvPZkz8/UIHX6XpuSLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CDP1PjpFgd4/s1600/dove_and_olive_branch_image_poster-p228358348579134380t5ta_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfjSvPZkz8/UIHX6XpuSLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/CDP1PjpFgd4/s200/dove_and_olive_branch_image_poster-p228358348579134380t5ta_400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span>http://therejectedpath.blogspot.com/2012/08/not-of-this-world-republican-or.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Young)6